Richelle Cripe

Boulder, Colorado

The desire to collect and record information about birds, wildlife, food, and plants was the initial inspiration for this journal. However, as the trip progressed, it became a place to trap memories of all kinds. The book encapsulates the heart and soul of a journey through Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa over five weeks. Through the process of writing, drawing, painting, recording, collecting, and mapping, I discovered a way to truly capture the spirit of a trip. Before leaving, I made a simple mixed media journal. The structure provided unlimited opportunities for spontaneous formatting and design.

The book is a combination of journal writing, drawing, watercolor painting, mapping, field notes, and found objects. It was bound using a long stitch method with handmade paper, cardboard, book cloth, and waxed linen Text and images by Richelle Cripe, David Carp, and Catherine Yrisarri.

Richelle Cripe is an artist living in Boulder, Colorado. She studied music and architecture before graduating with a degree in Art and Art History from the University of Kentucky. Her interests include travel, food, zoology, and natural history.